Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online. Others argue that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.0)

It is argued that in the era of digital technology, entertainment venues have become less important because people can consume virtually unlimited content through different online services. However, others contend that movie theatres and cinemas continue to play a vital role from an economic and cultural perspective. This essay will examine both perspectives before I express my own view.

On one hand, the shift towards digital equipment is largely driven by unparalleled convenience and cost effectiveness. Streaming platforms provide users with instant access to on-demand content, allowing individuals to watch their favorite films at their own convenience rather than adhering to rigid showtimes. Furthermore, the online subscriptions are really affordable, audiences can explore virtually limitless content library, offering a wider variety of choices than a local cinema could ever host.

On the other hand, cultural institutions like cinemas remain crucial for several key reasons. Economically, public entertainment venues generate significant commercial activity for surrounding businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, while providing widespread employment for the local community. Attending film screenings or live performances create shared cultural experiences, elevating a simple movie into a memorable social event. The physical presence of a live audience is an irreplaceable aspect of consuming live art forms.

In conclusion, while the digital era offers cheap access to media, I believe that theatres and cinemas will be able to retain their essential significance. The economic benefits they bring to cities and the unique big screen cinematic experience they provide ensure that they will not be entirely replaced by home-based entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task prompt, discussing both the view that theatres and cinemas are losing importance due to online entertainment and the counter-argument that they remain economically and culturally vital. Furthermore, the writer clearly presents their own opinion in the introduction and reiterates it effectively in the conclusion. The ideas are relevant, well-developed, and extended logically, such as when the economic benefits are linked to surrounding businesses and local employment. The response is fully balanced, giving equal weight to both perspectives before delivering a well-reasoned personal verdict. This performance meets all the requirements for a Band 7.5 to 8.0, showcasing well-developed ideas without major omissions or over-generalizations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a well-structured introduction, moving through body paragraphs with clear topic markers like 'On one hand' and 'On the other hand', and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without being overly mechanical. For example, referencing is handled well, as seen in the phrase 'The physical presence of a live audience is an irreplaceable aspect...', which smoothly links back to the preceding discussion on shared cultural experiences. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. Minor improvements could involve even greater variety in transitional phrases, but overall cohesion is strong and supports an easy flow of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student exhibits a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Phrases like 'unparalleled convenience', 'cost effectiveness', 'cultural institutions', and 'commercial activity' demonstrate a good awareness of collocation and style. Less common lexical items are attempted with general success, although there is a slight slip in grammar/collocation in the sentence 'Furthermore, the online subscriptions are really affordable, audiences can explore...', which results in a comma splice. Nevertheless, the range of vocabulary allows the writer to convey precise meanings easily, and spelling throughout the response is entirely accurate, easily satisfying the criteria for a solid Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, contributing to a natural rhythm. Examples of successful complex structures include 'Streaming platforms provide users with instant access to on-demand content, allowing individuals to watch their favorite films at their own convenience rather than adhering to rigid showtimes.' The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is generally well handled, with the exception of a comma splice in the second body paragraph ('subscriptions are really affordable, audiences can explore...'). Additionally, there is a minor subject-verb agreement or participle error in the third paragraph: 'Attending film screenings or live performances create shared cultural experiences', where 'create' should be 'creates'. Despite these occasional errors, the overall control of grammar is commendable.

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